Björnska

Björnska (/bjːørn.skə/), officially the Kingdom of Björnska (Björnsk: Konungariket Björnska) is a sovereign state which consists of a consitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, with the Monarch as the official Head of State. It is a transcontinental country located mostly in Dimonde, though the regions of Noufrançais and Celtia are located in Floressa. It borders Uslye to the north, and Borulea and Dunwaye to the east. Lianistan also shares a land border with the Francophone southern region.

Geography
Björnska is a highly urbanised country, with the vast majority of the population living within one of the country's many cities. The capital, Farsknordi, is recorded as being the most densely-populated city, with Söderyio closely behind.

Territorial expansion
In January 2019, under a bilateral agreement, territorial sovereignty over some of the northern land of Lianistan was transferred to Björnska as part of the Noufrançais region. This increased the country's overall population by approximately 2 million.

Etymology
Following the 2018 Björnsk constitutional referendum, two autonomous regions are set to be established within the Kingdom of Björnska - representing the Celtian, and Francophone populations. These are constitutionally recognised as 'constituent countries' within Björnska, as they have their own regional identities as well as certain powers over their own affairs. Prior to 2018, Celtia was divided into two semi-autonomous regions of Hreindýra and Vårgi.

Both autonomous regions have their own flags for official and national usage, such as to fly above government buildings and celebrate on flag days.

Politics
Legislative power is vested in the unicameral Underhuset to which elections are held every year. The most recent election was held on 1 August 2016, with the Liberal Party leader Mai Nguyen taking the role of prime minister, in coalition with Astrid Holm from the Greens who took the position of deputy prime minister. Due to having no monarch, the prime minister of Björnska also takes on the responsibilities of a Head of State, although having no extra powers over other members of the Underhuset. The country is politically identified as being a 'mixed economy' and being very socially liberal.

Björnska is generally recognised by other nations' as a country that is outward-looking, and seeks to maintain a variety of friendships with other nations and as well as positive foreign affairs. It has always promoted the rights of minorities and other disadvantaged groups abroad, and continues to be one of the most progressive countries in the world.

Languages
Björnska has two officially recognised languages on a national basis - Björnsk and English. 98% of the population speak Björnsk, and 95% speak English. Around 89% of the population are fluent in both of these languages. Celtic is the official regional language of Celtia, while French is widely spoken in Noufrançais. There are also a number of non-official minority languages throughout the country, such as German and Hungarian - though, these have no official recognition.

Multilingualism is protected under the Protection for Minority Languages Amendment Act (2018), and languages are regulated by the Regulatory Council of Languages (RCLB). This has meant that since 2018, all laws must be written in both Björnsk or English as a primary language, with official translations in Celtic and French. All public bodies are expected to accommodate speakers in these languages, such as through resources and simultaneous interpretation on request..

Culture
Literature has also been a big part of Björnsk culture, with many famous playwrights and novelists originating from the nation. Traditionally, it has been known for folk music, however in modern times the country has produced some of the biggest names in pop music, and is internationally regarded as one of the most influential exporters of pop. Björnska is a member of the Maia Broadcasting Union, and also hosted the first edition of the Maia Song Contest. The selection process for this contest, Björnskfestivalen, has become the most popular television show, beating previous favourite The Voice.

Sports
National sports are regulated by the Council of Björnsk Sports (CBS), with the Ministry of Tourism having organised multiple sporting events throughout the country's history. The country has hosted the Winter rendition of the Maian Games three times in total, in Farsknordi (1931 & 2009), and once in Nýstad (1979).